The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The recent announcement that my long-time political friend Phil Lee will be Manitoba's 24th Lieutenant-Governor brings to mind the significant accomplishments of other Chinese-Canadians. Phil will be the province's first Chinese-Canadian LG, and the third that I have known. The other two were Liberal and fellow Flin Flonner Bud Jobin, and my Liberal friend John Harvard, whom I have known since his Radio/TV days. John became LG as the Liberals were looking for a seat for Winnipeg Mayor Glenn Murray, an NDPer who switched to their party. He ran in Harvard's vacated seat in St. James-Charleswood, but was defeated by Steven Fletcher, now a cabinet minister. John got the big prize, in which he has served very well indeed. Phil Lee, who immigrated from Hong Kong at 18 to study chemistry, became a head chemist for the City of Winnipeg. He and wife Anita owned two Winnipeg restaurants. He has also become an icon in the Chinese community, working with Dr. Joseph Du for the betterment of these people, and is head of several immigration and cultural organizations. Phil and I worked together on Kim Campbell's successful campaign for PC leader in 1993. Later on, we worked on the unsuccessful PC campaign in St. James-Assiniboia that year, and even later served on the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. Phil has also had experience in the LG's office where he volunteered as an assistant to Peter Liba, so he will have no problem in taking over the top job. Congratulations, Phil! During the '93 campaign, Phil introduced us to fellow U of M grad Stan Chueng, who had gone back to Hong Kong and China to make his fortune. He set up factories in China to manufacture GI Joe toys, and did extremely well. He also took advantage of an immigration program that allowed people from his area to get visas for Canada if they invested so much in our country. Stan did, built a huge mansion in Vancouver and did not forget his alma mater, donating a huge sum of money to the library. Stan also assisted us in our campaigns. Then there is Norman Kwong, who at 80 is the current LG of Alberta and the true "China Clipper." Normie, who won four Grey Cups with Edmonton and Calgary, is arguably the greatest Canadian-born fullback ever to play in the CFL. He won a great number of honours during his 11-year career, including Canadian Athlete of the Year in 1955. At 18, he became the youngest player ever to win a Grey Cup Ð not to mention the first Chinese-Canadian to play in the league. Later, Kwong became a part owner of the Calgary Flames. In 1989, when the Flames won the Stanley Cup, Kwong became the only Canadian to have won both Cups. Kwong moved into business and politics, running for Peter Laugheed and the Alberta Conservatives in 1971. Peter made it but Normie did not, but he has since received many honours and was appointed the 16th LG of Alberta in 2005. Kwong was the second Chinese-Canadian to receive this high honour. The first was Dr. David Lam of B.C., a great Christian and intellectual who was appointed by Mulroney and served from 1988-95. In a speech, Lam tried to explain why Chinese-Canadians have done so well in their adopted country in spite of severe prejudice and even laws against them in the early days. Lam said they have forgotten the hardship and learned to adopt the Canadian way. A great insight for a great people. One is also proud to mention Wally Woo, owner of all the Marigold restaurants in Winnipeg and Saskatchewan. Apart from serving excellent food Ð it was Gary Filmon's favourite Ð Wally provided jobs for a lot of students. Now in his 70s, he still works nearly every day. He has also been active in the community and is a fine example for all entrepreneurs. He and I have been friends for decades, and, oh yes, he has been a strong Tory supporter. Last but not least is former fellow PC youth and Diefenbaker youth supporter Ken Wong. Ken graduated from university and became active in business and was even elected to Winnipeg City Council. Later Ken switched to the Liberals provincially and ran for them unsuccessfully in a city seat. He was later heavily involved in international business. A great guy even if he became a Liberal! Roger's Right Corner runs Wednesdays.
